Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
Safety Overview
1.Night Jasmine — Overview
Night Jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) is a captivating member of the Oleaceae family. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree renowned for its highly fragrant, nocturnally blooming flowers. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, particularly India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, it is widely cultivated across Southeast Asia. The plant typically reaches heights of 3-10 meters.
It features rough, grayish-brown bark and simple, ovate leaves with serrated margins and a coarse texture. Its most distinctive feature is the exquisite white flowers, which possess a vibrant orange-red corolla tube. These release an intoxicating perfume after dusk and fall by dawn, hence its common names like 'Parijat' or 'Tree of Sorrow'. The flowers are arranged in terminal cymes, adding to its ornamental appeal.
Beyond its aesthetic charm, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis holds significant cultural and medicinal importance. It is frequently found in temple gardens and utilized extensively in traditional healing systems.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Nyctanthes arbor-tristis:
Night Jasmine should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed medicinal plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
Night Jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) is maintained in this recovery file as a complete medicinal profile with practical care, safety, and identification context. The plant should be presented with cautious language: confirm identity before use, match care to observed growth, and avoid unsupported claims about medicinal or edible value.
1.1.Night Jasmine — Standout Qualities
- ✓Nocturnally blooming, highly — Nocturnally blooming, highly fragrant white flowers with an orange-red corolla tube.
- ✓Deciduous shrub or — Deciduous shrub or small tree native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia.
- ✓All parts of — All parts of the plant – leaves, flowers, bark, and seeds – hold significant medicinal value.
- ✓Rich in diverse — Rich in diverse bioactive phytochemicals, particularly iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
- ✓Widely recognized and — Widely recognized and extensively utilized in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda.
- ✓Exhibits potent anti — inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, and antimalarial activities.
- ✓Traditionally used for — Traditionally used for the treatment of chronic fever, various forms of arthritis, and sciatica.
- ✓Cultivated both for — Cultivated both for its ornamental beauty and its profound therapeutic properties.
- ✓Known by various — Known by various common names including Parijat, Harsingar, and Coral Jasmine.
- ✓Offers immune support and promotes overall well — being through its diverse pharmacological actions.
1.2.Night Jasmine — Snapshot Summary
- ✓Night Jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) is a highly valued medicinal plant from South Asia, known for its fragrant, night-blooming flowers.
- ✓It possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties, supported by traditional and modern research.
- ✓Key chemical constituents include potent iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids like Nyctanthine.
- ✓Traditionally used extensively in Ayurveda for conditions such as fever, arthritis, liver disorders, and parasitic infections.
- ✓Requires careful consideration regarding dosage and potential interactions with medications, especially for blood thinners or antidiabetic drugs.
- ✓Not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation due to lack of safety data and potential uterine effects.
2.Night Jasmine — Scientific Identity
3.Night Jasmine — Categories & Tags
4.Night Jasmine — Morphological Account
5.Night Jasmine — Historical Applications
6.Night Jasmine — Secondary Metabolites
- ✓Alkaloids — Primarily Nyctanthine, which is known for its sedative and analgesic properties, contributing to pain relief and calming effects.
- ✓Flavonoids — Including Rutin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol, these compounds are potent antioxidants and possess significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.
- ✓Iridoid Glycosides — Such as Arborside A, B, and C, these are key active constituents responsible for many of the plant's anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antimalarial effects.
- ✓Phenolic Compounds — A diverse group contributing significantly to the plant's antioxidant capacity and potentially its antimicrobial properties.
- ✓Steroids — Including beta-sitosterol, which may offer anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic benefits.
- ✓Terpenes — Various monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes contribute to the plant's aromatic profile and possess diverse pharmacological activities like antimicrobial and analgesic effects.
- ✓Essential Oils — Comprising volatile compounds like 3-phenyl-2-alkenal and 3-phenyl-2-propenal, which impart the characteristic fragrance and contribute to its antimicrobial action.
- ✓Triterpenoids — Such as Nyctanthic acid, found particularly in the seeds, known for its anthelmintic properties.
- ✓Tannins — Astringent compounds that contribute to wound healing and anti-diarrheal properties.
- ✓Saponins — These compounds have surfactant properties and are often associated with immunomodulatory and cholesterol-lowering effects.
7.Night Jasmine — What Research Suggests
- ✓Anti-inflammatory — Extracts from Night Jasmine significantly reduce inflammation by modulating immune responses and inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
- ✓Antioxidant — Rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis combats oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, thereby protecting cellular integrity and preventing chronic diseases.
- ✓Analgesic — The plant exhibits potent pain-relieving properties, particularly attributed to alkaloids like Nyctanthine, which can alleviate various types of pain including neuropathic and inflammatory pain.
- ✓Antimicrobial — Studies show broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, helping to combat infections and support overall immune health.
- ✓Hepatoprotective — Night Jasmine supports liver function and protects against chemically induced liver damage, promoting detoxification and regeneration of liver cells.
- ✓Immunomodulatory — It helps to regulate the immune system, enhancing host defense mechanisms against pathogens while also potentially mitigating autoimmune responses.
- ✓Antimalarial — Specific compounds in the leaves and bark have demonstrated efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum, offering a natural approach to managing malarial infections.
- ✓Anti-diabetic — Research indicates its potential to lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, contributing to the management of type 2 diabetes.
- ✓Anti-arthritic — Traditionally used for rheumatic pain and sciatica, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions make it effective in reducing symptoms associated with various forms of arthritis.
- ✓Neuroprotective — Bioactive constituents may protect neural cells from damage and degeneration, suggesting potential benefits in neurological health and cognitive function.
- ✓Wound Healing — Topical applications of plant extracts can accelerate wound contraction and tissue regeneration, promoting faster healing of cuts and abrasions.
- ✓Anthelmintic & Larvicidal — The plant shows activity against parasitic worms and insect larvae, making it useful in traditional remedies for parasitic infections and pest control.
7.1.Night Jasmine — Conditions Traditionally Used For
8.Night Jasmine — Precautions & Warnings
8.1.Night Jasmine — Reported Side Effects
- ✓Gastrointestinal Upset — Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea may occur in sensitive individuals or with excessive doses.
- ✓Allergic Reactions — Skin rashes, itching, or respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath can manifest in individuals with hypersensitivity to the plant.
- ✓Drowsiness — Due to its inherent sedative properties, particularly from Nyctanthine, it may cause drowsiness or mild sedation, especially at higher doses.
- ✓Hypotension — There is a potential to lower blood pressure, which could be a concern for individuals already on hypotensive medications or with low blood pressure.
- ✓Interactions with Anticoagulants — May possess mild blood-thinning effects, increasing the risk of bleeding when used concurrently with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
- ✓Hypoglycemia — Could potentially decrease blood glucose levels, requiring caution for diabetic patients already on blood sugar-lowering medications.
- ✓Uterine Contractions — Traditional uses suggest a potential effect on uterine musculature, necessitating caution and contraindication during pregnancy.
8.2.Night Jasmine — Safety Profile
- ✓Pregnancy and Lactation — Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data and potential abortifacient or uterine stimulant effects.
- ✓Children — Use with extreme caution in pediatric populations and only under strict medical supervision, with appropriate dosage adjustments.
- ✓Pre-existing Conditions — Individuals with bleeding disorders, diabetes, hypotension, or liver conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.
- ✓Medication Interactions — Avoid concomitant use with anticoagulant medications, antidiabetic drugs, sedatives, or hypotensive agents without medical guidance.
- ✓Dosage Adherence — Adhere strictly to recommended dosages from a qualified practitioner to minimize the risk of adverse effects and ensure therapeutic safety.
- ✓Allergic Sensitivity — Discontinue use immediately if any signs of allergic reaction, such as skin irritation, rash, or breathing difficulties, appear.
- ✓Quality Sourcing — Ensure that all plant material is sourced from reputable suppliers to guarantee authenticity, purity, and freedom from contaminants.
9.Night Jasmine — How to Use
- ✓Decoction — Leaves, bark, or flowers are boiled in water to extract medicinal compounds, commonly consumed as a tea for fever, arthritis, or liver support.
- ✓Infusion — Dried flowers or leaves are steeped in hot water to create a fragrant and therapeutic tea, often used for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects.
- ✓Poultice — Freshly crushed leaves are applied directly to the skin as a poultice to alleviate localized pain, inflammation, or to aid in wound healing.
- ✓Powder — Dried plant parts, especially leaves, are ground into a fine powder and can be taken internally with honey or water, or encapsulated for systemic benefits.
- ✓Oil Infusion — Flowers are steeped in a carrier oil (like sesame or coconut oil) to create a medicated oil, used topically for joint pain, muscle aches, or skin conditions.
- ✓Juice Extract — Fresh leaves are crushed to extract juice, which is traditionally used for parasitic infections or as an internal tonic.
- ✓External Wash — Decoctions of the leaves or bark can be used as a therapeutic bath or wash for skin ailments, rashes, or as an antiseptic.
- ✓Traditional Formulations — Incorporated as a key ingredient in numerous polyherbal formulations in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for a wide range of conditions.
10.Night Jasmine — Growing Guide
- ✓Soil Requirements — Thrives best in well-drained, fertile loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (6.0-7.5).
- ✓Sunlight Exposure — Prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and growth.
- ✓Watering — Requires regular and moderate watering, especially during dry periods; ensure consistent soil moisture but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
- ✓Propagation — Can be propagated effectively by seeds, which benefit from scarification before sowing, or by semi-hardwood stem cuttings during the monsoon season.
- ✓Climate — Best suited for tropical and subtropical climates with warm temperatures; it is sensitive to frost and will not tolerate prolonged cold conditions.
- ✓Pests and Diseases — Generally robust, but occasional issues with aphids, mealybugs, or fungal leaf spots can occur, which are typically manageable with organic solutions.
- ✓Fertilization — Benefits from the application of organic compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer during its active growing season to support vigorous growth and flowering.
- ✓Pruning — Light pruning after the main flowering season helps maintain its shape, encourages bushier growth, and promotes a more abundant bloom in the next cycle.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Important medical disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Do not use any herb to self-treat a medical condition without professional guidance.
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
Night Jasmine — Comments & Community Reviews
Rate this plant
No reviews yet. Be the first!